Modified pedicle screw-rod fixation versus open reduction plate fixation for the management of pubic symphysis diastasis: A retrospective study

Objective: Surgical intervention and fixation is the recognized measurement to treat pubic symphysis diastasis caused by high-energy trauma. The purpose of this retrospective study was to assess the clinical application of modified pedicle screw-rod fixation (modified PSRF) and open reduction plate fixation (ORPF) for treating pubic symphysis diastasis. Methods: The data of this retrospective analysis were collected from 32 patients with pubic symphysis diastasis managed with modified PSRF or ORPF from January 2012 to December 2017, with or without posterior fixation. Indicators of clinical assessments including operating time, intraoperative blood loss, relevant surgical complications as well as follow-up were recorded. Majeed scores were performed for functional evaluation, as well as Matta criteria were applied to evaluate the quality of reduction. Results: The average time from injury to operation was 2.9 days in modified PSRF group and 3.2 days in ORPF group. Significant differences regarding average operation time (41.8 min versus 64.3 min) and average intraoperative blood loss (46.6 ml versus 304.6 ml) were presented between modified PSRF groups and ORPF group. Neither Majeed scores nor Matta evaluation showed a significant difference between two groups. In ORPF group, the incision infection occurred in one patient and two patients developed loosening of screws. In modified PSRF group, loosening of screws was found in one patient during the operative procedure and one patient experienced femoral nerve palsy. Irritation to the lateral femoral cutaneous nerve (LFCN) was detected in two patients in modified PSRF group. Conclusions: Satisfactory clinical outcomes were provided with applications of both fixation methods for treating pubic symphysis diastasis. Modified PSRF, as a minimal invasive technique, could serve as an effective and reasonable option for treating pubic symphysis diastasis. Level of evidence: III: retrospective cohort study. Trial registration: researchregistry3906.